VOLUNTEER

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. - Gandhi.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. - Dr. Seuss.

The Food Bank’s best work is only possible because of the wonderful people who together volunteer hundreds and hundreds of hours of their time. Whether it’s a few hours a month or lending a helping hand on our Christmas programs, you’ll enjoy working alongside fellow volunteers and your kindness will make a real difference to those struggling to feed their families. Please contact us by phone or email to discuss volunteering.

Because volunteers are in positions of trust and must observe absolute confidentiality, please click on this printable Volunteer Application Form to be aware of the kind of background information requested.

SORTING FOOD

This community is incredibly generous at the pre-holiday food drives, after which thousands of pounds of pantry items need to be organized by volunteers. Every bag of donated food must be sorted by type, size and best-before date — and then shelved in our grocery room or stacked in storage bins.

COMMUNITY KITCHEN

Volunteers use our state-of-the-art community commercial kitchen to help prepare nutritious dishes that are frozen in vacuum-packed portions. They also guide clients on cooking healthy, cost-effective meals from fresh and pantry items.

ASSISTING CLIENTS

In our self-serve grocery area that’s set up like a store, volunteers help clients choose food items according to their preferences. Client hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4pm and Wednesdays from 6 to 8pm. It is during these times that volunteers also assist clients with choices from the clothing room.

PICKING UP DONATIONS

If you have a car and some time to offer, the Food Bank can use your help picking up regular or occasional fresh food donations and collecting pantry items from supermarket donation bins.

HELPING AT EVENTS

Groups and individuals are always needed at seasonal food drives, usually for shifts of two or three hours on pre-holiday weekends — as well as at other community events.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Volunteers are always welcome to assist with cleaning and tidying at the Food Bank, with computer work, social media communications and office duties.